10 Best 9mm Pistols

There is a huge number of 9mm pistols on the market. On one hand, that’s a good thing because it helps to ensure that people can find one they like. On the other hand, it makes it hard to find the best 9mm pistol available. We want to help with that hunt, so we sorted through the options and pulled together a list of the top choices, based on their ease of use, reliability, and accuracy.

10. Sig Sauer P226

The Sig Sauer P226 is expensive, but it’s hard to beat it for sheer quality. In addition to being extremely accurate, the P226 is less likely to jam than most other 9mm handguns. Since there are a lot of variations of this design, it’s also easy for most people to find one that is customized to meet their needs. Those features make this a great choice for experienced shooters who value high performance. It’s possibly the most accurate 9mm pistol out of the box. However, novices won’t be able to capitalize on this gun’s advantages.

9. Walther PPQ

The Walther PPQ is one of the top choices for 9mm pistols for shooters who need a compact weapon. A few larger variants are available, but they all offer a small size, light trigger pulls, and limited recoil. Since this is a small gun, it can also be useful for teaching new shooters who are nervous about recoil. Therefore, it’s an excellent 9mm handgun for beginners. The ambidextrous controls also help, since both right and left-handed students can use it. This weapon is appropriate for shooters of all skill levels, especially those that are looking for something small and easy to control.

8. CZ-75 SP-01

The CZ-75 SP-01’s targeted shooters were those in law enforcement. However, it has since become popular with civilian shooters of all types as one of the best 9mm pistols out there. It is certainly accurate enough for competition, but the gun’s ergonomics are its most notable feature. The CZ-75 handgun has an extended beavertail to offer more protection to the shooter’s hand. In addition, the grip system allows both a stronger grip and recoil mitigation. Those safety features make this a great handgun for beginners. However, experienced shooters can still take advantage of this model’s accuracy. When used correctly, it can be the best 9mm pistol for target shooting.

7. Beretta 92FS

The Beretta 92FS was meant for accuracy over long distances and extreme durability. All of the moving parts consist of metal, so this 9mm gun can hold up to heavy use without breaking down. It’s also designed to break down without tools for easy maintenance. So, even people who hate cleaning their guns will have a hard time neglecting it. The final factor that makes this full-size 9mm handgun durable is the quality of construction. It’s as good as that of every other gun that Beretta offers and helps keep shots accurate. This gun is appropriate for shooters at every level but should be the top choice for people who want something reliable.

6. Heckler and Koch VP9

The Heckler and Koch VP9 is the best 9mm pistol for people who want a multipurpose firearm. The slide system uses a patented design to make it effortless to pull back, and the replaceable panels make it easy to adjust the grip. However, the gun remains distinguished more by the quality of construction than any unique features. It effectively improves performance across the board. In fact, it has helped make the VP9 popular with law enforcement officers. Consider this 9mm gun if you want to use it for a variety of purposes. It’s very versatile and one of the best 9mm pistols for home defense. However, you should look for a more specialized option if you want a handgun for a limited number of activities.

5. Glock 17

There are plenty of people who would say that the Glock 17 is the best 9mm pistol on the market. That’s debatable, but it’s certainly one of the most popular and famous handguns. The Glock 17 consists of a polymer frame, so it’s lighter than most pistols of similar size. The gun’s excellent ergonomics and textured grip make it comfortable to shoot. Therefore, it’s a good first gun for beginners. On the other hand, the fact that it’s popular with law enforcement all over the world proves that it’s also a fine choice for experts.

4. Lionheart LH9CN

The LH9CN is a compact version of a South Korean service pistol that has been in use for about 20 years. Everything about this 9mm pistol, from the mixed double/single action trigger, compact design, and simple controls helps to make it quick and easy to fire, even under stress. Combine that convenience with the ease of storing such a small weapon, and it creates a contender for the best 9mm pistol for home defense purposes or concealed carry. That ease of use also makes it an excellent choice for new shooters. However, experienced shooters might want a handgun with more features for multipurpose use. Due to its light weight and small size, though, the LH9CN might be the best 9mm pistol for concealed carry.

3. Browning Hi-Power

It’s impossible to look for the best 9mm pistol without considering Browning’s final design. It’s one of the most popular semi-automatic handguns in the world. People still use it even though the design is almost a century old. It may not have all of the modern features that other models offer, but it executes older technologies to perfection. The Hi-Power offers extreme accuracy and excellent ergonomics. Therefore, it’s the perfect 9mm handgun for the experienced shooters who can take advantage of that. It doesn’t hurt when novices use it, but many of them lack the skill to use this gun to its full potential. Therefore, beginners might be better off with a cheaper option.

2. FNS 9C

The 9C is possibly the best handgun for concealed carry. Since it was designed specifically for disguise, it’s small and light enough to be discreetly holstered. However, the 9mm gun still holds enough ammunition to keep you safe. It also offers interchangeable backstraps and ambidextrous controls. So, it’s a comfortable handgun for people who find that others fit their hands poorly. Perhaps most importantly, it’s designed to avoid snagging during a quick draw in an emergency. Since it lacks features that help experts achieve top performance and extra safety features that help novices, this is an excellent choice for intermediate shooters.

1. Springfield XD9

The XD9 is the best 9mm pistol for people who prioritize safety. It offers just as much power and accuracy as many of the other options on this list. However, the designers put extra effort into making it safe to use. Therefore, it’s the best 9mm pistol for home defense. It has both grip and trigger bar safeties along with a loaded chamber indicator. So, it almost takes an effort to have an accidental discharge. Those features alone make this the clear winner for new shooters who are still learning how to handle a weapon properly.

Making The Right Choice

The trick to choosing the best 9mm pistol is knowing what you intend to do with it. Picking the gun that is best for that purpose is the true challenge. Once you know that, you can look through all of your options and be confident that you are making the right choice. If you have experience with any of these pistols, or if you have tried one that wasn’t on the list, be sure to comment about it so other people can make a more informed decision. Additionally, if you’re looking for a higher caliber, check out our selection of the best 10mm pistols as well.

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There is a huge number of 9mm pistols on the market. On one hand, that’s a good thing because it helps to ensure that people can find one they like. On the other hand, it makes it hard to find the best 9mm pistol available. We want to help with that hunt, so we sorted through […]

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